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14 January 2011

Bio: Lisa
Fine, creator of Lisa’s Foods on
the Move, is moving towards
living a more sustainable and fulfilling life through getting back to basics.
Join her as she moves towards a simpler lifestyle through food, fitness,
travel, gardening, and more. You can learn more at her blog, Lisa’s Foods on
the Move, where she writes about how to move towards simplicity through
unconventional eating. Lisa loves getting in touch with her readers - reach her
by email at lisasfoods@gmail.com or
write to her @lisasfoods on Twitter.

Author Q+A

Q: When/How did you come
up with the idea of creating an ebook?

A: As
an avid reader, I've always wanted to write my own book, but knowing the costs
and time of finding a publisher, I wanted to do it on my own. A few
weeks later I was on the phone with a good friend and fellow blogger, and
together we brainstormed some ideas to make my dream become a reality. A book
based on simple living, which is something I seek in my own life, seemed like
just the right fit.

Q: What sorts of topics do you cover in Seasonal Simplicity?
What can we expect?

A: You will find all kinds of topics in Seasonal Simplicity, to help you bring
simplicity to any area of your life. There are vegetarian and vegan recipes,
budgeting tips, meditation exercises, a beginner's knitting pattern, fitness
ideas, crafts, and ways to pare down excess stuff. You'll also find nine planning and reflection worksheets to help you brainstorm ways to make your year simpler. The book is user-friendly, set up as a journal or workbook, to help you meet your simple living goals as you make your way through the year.

Q: How did you come up with the name "Seasonal
Simplicity"?

A: I wanted my book to span the whole year, allowing people to make small,
attainable changes as they see fit. I also believe in seasonal eating and
living, and wanted my book to reflect the changes of the seasons. For
example, you'll find oatmeal and roasted vegetable recipes within the winter
section, and a homemade jam recipe in the summer section. Seasonal Simplicity
is divided four main sections, one for each season, and the activities and
recipes in each section match the time of year.

Q: Are there any parts
of the process of making the book, or parts of the book itself, that you are
most proud of?

A: I love collaboration in projects - seeing people come
together for a cause they care about or believe in. Working with the four other
bloggers was a wonderful experience, from brainstorming and collecting ideas,
to emailing and promoting the book. It made me realize how much I'm energized
by working with others, and how much I love the blogging community.

Q: Who are some of the
people that have inspired you to grow your passion of food, cooking, health and
sustainability?

A: Over the years I've been inspired by many food writers,
environmentalists, and simple living advocates. I especially love to read
books by Scott and Helen Nearing, pioneers of the homesteading and vegetarian
movements. I also enjoy Michael Pollan's work, and was recently impressed
by Jim Merkel's book Radical Simplicity.

Q: Do you have plans to
write more books in the future?

A: I can't wait to get started on my next books. I have two ideas that are in the
making. The first will be a free ebook on the pleasures and benefits of
walking, which should be available on my blog later this month. The other book
I'm planning is a vegetarian collaborative cookbook, and I am currently
setting up the details with a non-profit organization; the net profits
from book sales will be donated to the organization. More details on that to come
soon - if you're interested in submitting a recipe, send me an email at lisasfoods@gmail.com for more
information.

Q: Lastly, what do you
hope your readers will gain/take from reading Seasonal Simplicity?

A: My
main goal with writing Seasonal Simplicity was for readers to find easily
attainable ways to slow down and enjoy life more. I've found much meaning
in simple pleasures - making dinner with friends, reading a good book while
sipping a hot cup of tea, meandering through the woods on a sunny day. I'm all
about living life to the fullest, and feeling healthy and connected to my
friends and community. I hope you'll enjoy finding simplicity too in this new
year.

19
comments:

Smile. Isn't Lisa wonderful? I so enjoyed contributing to her book, and I also enjoyed reading a bit more about her here! Thank you for sharing such a great woman with me. I hope your weekend overflows with good food, good friends, and love!